From left: Hassan Dilal from McDonald’s, Michael Fitzgerald, CSEF; EGA students; Christina Triantafillou from McDonald’s, and Berfin Onay, EGA

A PROGRAMME to promote safety for young people across the borough was shared with students at Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School.

Michael Fitzgerald, from Children’s Safety Education Foundation delivered a talk to the students, informing them on locations where they can find help.

There are more than 300 safe havens across Islington, including branches of fast-food chain McDonald’s, whose staff joined for the talk. Mr Fitzgerald said: “We’re trying to get this word across to as many people as we can. The more people are aware of this, the better. If you walk in the door of a McDonald’s and ask for help, you will be supported. A police station may be too far away; we’re trying to make you aware that if you ever need it, the Safe Haven programme is available.”

The programme has run for over 20 years and talks in schools are delivered to spread the word to more of Islington’s young people.

Christina Triantafillou, a representative for McDonald’s, said: “Safe Haven is focused on the young generation. We are always happy to help; there is no password to use, just come and talk to us if you need to – it could be anything from charging your phone or if you’re in danger and need help. Our teams are trained to help, we’ll listen, we won’t turn you away. We can help you get the right support.”